An unemployed man is to stand trial after he was charged in court yesterday with 63 counts of dole fraud.
Martin Foley (52), Walnut Rise, Courtlands, Dublin, is accused of fraudulently claiming social welfare benefits in the name of another man over several years.
He appeared at Dublin District Court yesterday.
It is alleged that he claimed job seeker’s allowance by producing a social welfare card in the name of another man at a post office on Drumcondra Road, in Dublin.
The charges also allege that he filled out unemployment assistance details using the same man’s name, at North Cumberland Street, in Dublin. The Director of Public Prosecutions directed he should be tried on indictment in the Circuit Court.
Mr Foley said at his brief hearing yesterday that he was on sickness benefit but was told by Judge Gráinne Malone that he would have to complete a statement of means before the court decided whether he was entitled to free legal aid.
Judge Malone said a decision on that issue would be made at his next court appearance on July 11th when he is to be served with a book of evidence.
Mr Foley has not yet indicated how he intends to plead to the charges.